Abstract: The present invention relates to compactor mechanism for compacting of aggregate material about a pipe in a trench, the pipe having a predetermined pipe gradient, wherein the compactor mechanism comprises a single powered compacting element, the compacting element being configured to be moveable in a reciprocating motion along the length of a placed pipe for simultaneously compacting the aggregate to a pre-defined minimum density about the bed and sides of the pipe along the length of the pipe to maintain the pipe gradient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for laying a pipe in a trench, the apparatus comprising a placement assembly (2) for placing the pipe in the trench; a compactor mechanism (3) for compacting of the aggregate about the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for laying a pipe in a trench, the apparatus comprising a placement assembly (2) for placing the pipe in the trench; a compactor mechanism (3) for compacting of the aggregate about the pipe.

Abstract: When placing pipes, such as pipe sections, into a trench it is desirable to obviate the need for human intervention in an attempt to eliminate the potential for injury to operatives working in a trench caused by trench collapse. Disclosed herein is an automated device (101) having a retractable side boom (104,106) and an associated retractable descendent/downwardly extending boom. The device may further comprise a gripping assembly (108) which is capable of setting a pipe (110) gripped therein to a specific slope or gradient, thus allowing for maximum precision in for example a pipe laying process. The side and descendent booms are operable to deliver a pipe such as a pipe section into a trench.